Highlands Sky 40M Trail Run

Race completed

64 km Distance

1,650 m Climbing

5.7 Grit · Challenging

38.5449° N, 121.7405° W © OpenFreeMap © OpenMapTiles Data from OpenStreetMap

What the course asks

Climbing rate 26 m / km Rolling. Moderate undulations. Requires consistent effort across varying grades.

Time limit 12 hours 11:15 min/km average. Generous. Walkable throughout for most of the field. About average for a 50 mi. Measured against 471 races of the same distance. Cut-off calculator →

Field size ~163 Mid-sized. Company early, well spread out by halfway.

DUV results for the 2026 edition (40mi) — finishers only. Starters are not published, so the field was at least this big and no finish rate can be given.

Typical conditions, June

Daytime high 32°C

Night low 12°C

Rainfall Dry — rain unlikely

Daylight 14 h 52 m of light

Regional 2001-2020 average for June — NASA POWER, grid elevation 68 m. Not a forecast.

Results history

Year	Race	Finishers	Men's winner	Women's winner
2026	40mi	163	Caleb Bowen · 06:05:39	Jessie Wingo · 07:21:21
2025	40mi	160	Aaron Slabach · 05:59:29	Jessie Wingo · 07:26:45
2024	40mi	171	Dan Green · 05:55:30	Amanda Dion · 07:48:01
2023	40mi	173	Caleb Bowen · 05:51:20	Katherine Thompson · 07:39:41
2022	40mi	163	Caleb Bowen · 06:02:14	Hollyann Swann · 06:55:09
2019	40mi	174	Lucas Warner · 06:04:39	Candace Delong · 07:32:21
2018	40mi	164	Robert Smith · 06:11:39	Katherine Thompson · 08:16:31
2017	40mi	156	Michael Dubova · 05:54:37	Leah Drew · 07:52:59
2016	40mi	165	Lucas Warner · 06:25:52	Robin Watkins · 07:07:21
2015	40mi	150	Joel Wolpert · 05:44:51	Bethany Williams · 08:06:57

The field has held steady: 160 in 2025, 163 in 2026. 31% of the 2026 field were women.

DUV results for the 2026 edition (40mi) — finishers only. Starters are not published, so the field was at least this big and no finish rate can be given.

The Aid Station

Course-specific beta from the community

⛰️ terrain

This is a rolling course. Expect fast, runnable sections where rhythm is key.

By UltraHub Expert

👟 gear

With trail terrain, choose a shoe with moderate cushioning for optimal performance.

By UltraHub Expert

Gear for this race

Chosen for 64 km of trail with 1,650 m of ascent.

Trail Running Shoes 26 m of climb per kilometre — grip and rock protection before cushioning.
Race Nutrition 64 km of self-supported fuelling between aid stations.
Hydration Vests Pole attachment and chest-strap stability on steep ground.
Trekking Poles 1,650 m of ascent to walk up.
Headlamps A 12 h limit puts you out there after dark.

Brooks

Catamount 3

RunRepeat found the Brooks Catamount 3 to have a cozier upper that enhances the overall fit, though breathability and durability could be better. iRunFar noted…

★★★★★ 4.5

Adidas

Terrex Speed Ultra

RunRepeat found the Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra to have a grippy outsole and great lockdown, while iRunFar noted that the shoe works on a variety of trail conditi…

★★★★★ 4.5

Maurten